In the Algarve, the sea is typically warmer compared to the rest of Portugal, but even there, strong winds and currents bring cold water from deeper parts of the Ocean to the surface, resulting in cooler temperatures.
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The ocean currents can be strong and unpredictable. If you plan on swimming, go to beaches with lifeguards and pay attention to the warning flags – green means it's safe to swim, yellow means use caution and stay near the shore, and red means do not enter.
The Algarve is one of the sunniest regions of Europe. With a warm climate and over 300 days of sunshine a year, you can enjoy a great holiday throughout the year. If you are looking for a beach holiday, then the Algarve is the perfection destination. You can swim in the ocean comfortably from March until October.
Portugal's beaches are beautiful, yes–but due to being set on the Atlantic, the water is actually much colder than many visitors might expect (yes, even in the Algarve). What is this? Spain's long Mediterranean coast, on the other hand, tends to offer much warmer water and a longer swimming season.
If you are looking for a beach holiday, then the Algarve is the perfection destination. You can swim in the ocean comfortably from March until October. And in the winter months, you can take long refreshing beach walks.
The high season – June to August – is the best time for the beach. During the summer months, you'll find warmer ocean temperatures, especially as you head south to the Algarve. Water temps and crowds alike peak in July and August, so plan on sharing those pretty beaches with plenty of other sunseekers.
The seas are a little too rough for anything more than paddling if you have young children. The restaurants and bars around the beach are top notch though, if a little too English. I would like to try out of the main tourist season, my guess is it would be a much more pleasant experience.
The warmest part of the Algarve is the eastern Algarve. The more west you travel, the colder and windier it usually gets, especially ones you go around the corner at Sagres. I would recommend staying anywhere in between the Spanish boarder and Salema.
April to May and September to October are the times to enjoy outdoor adventures. The spring months from April to May and the autumn months from mid-September to October are the best times to visit if you're interested in hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and other land-based activities.
October and even November are surprisingly nice in the Algarve. The temperatures are around 22 degrees on average, but trust me, it feels way toastier during the day. Forget about those rainy days back home and get ready to enjoy one of Europe's sunniest destinations.
The graph below shows the range of monthly Albufeira water temperature derived from many years of historical sea surface temperature data. The warmest water temperature is in September with an average around 70°F / 21.1°C.The coldest month is March with an average water temperature of 60.6°F / 15.9°C.
Portugal is very highly ranked on the list of Europe's top beach destinations with 432 of the country's beaches and marinas currently flying the coveted Blue Flag for cleanliness and quality.